Ayre KX-R, "The eighth wonder of the world" and "Battle of the preamps".

[joeinid]

My KX-R is settling in nicely. I've been running it for 3 weeks and was impressed with its sound from the first moment I turned it on. I appreciate all the good advice and truly believe my preamp quest is over.

I am not as well versed with audio reviews as Serge. But I believe he knows, appreciates, understands and can convey the subtle differences is audio electronics. I am happy to report he was spot on, pointing me towards the KX-R specifically and Ayre in general. There is something correct or "right" about the music. Whether the volume is low or high everything is clear, three dimensional and deep. It makes me want to listen more. My stereo is still in transition and I only see it getting better. I can't wait to scrape up enough pennies for the MX-R's and better cables. Aaaaahhhhhh! life is good.

In the meantime, my Spectrons sound better with the KX-R and are still breaking in. I know class D gets a bad wrap, but I think there is something different about the Spectron Musician III mk2 monoblocks vs other class D. However that's a story for another day and thread. Thanks for indulging me.

Joe

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by joeinid

I can't wait to scrape up enough pennies for the MX-R's and better cables. Aaaaahhhhhh! life is good.

In the meantime, my Spectrons sound better with the KX-R and are still breaking in. I know class D gets a bad wrap, but I think there is something different about the Spectron Musician III mk2 monoblocks vs other class D. However that's a story for another day and thread. Thanks for indulging me.

Joe

I know someone who replaced his big Pass amps with the Spectron's for his MBL speakers. He was very, very happy. I wouldn't be in too big a hurry to jump to the MX-R's.
Jim

[joeinid]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for the input. Looking at my post again, I think new cables (Transparent Audio) and a new dac (Metric Halo LIO-8) are next. I'm learning not to make too many changes at once and to listen and get used to my system before a major jump.

I had a Pass XA30.5 and XP-10 and thought they were good until I heard my current equipment.

I think my current combo is really, really good. I want/need to get away from tubes because I run the music 6-10 hrs/day.

I find everyone on this site a great resource.

Joe

[Still-One]

Joe
That sounds like a good plan. If you get a chance to hear the new Esoteric D-07 I think it sounds really good. I am vacillating back and forth on the unit myself. As far as cables go there are too many good ones out there. Pick one you like and go with that firms technology for your whole loom.
Jim

[jdandy]

Joe.......The Ayre MX-R amplifiers, and the KX-R preamplifier captured my interest last year, and I am still very impressed with both, and may eventually own the combination. It is good to hear you are pleased with your new Ayre KX-R preamp.

Do us all a favor, post a few photos.

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Do us all a favor, post a few photos.

Please don't make me clean my room

It will take me a while straighten up, but I promise to put some picture up soon.

Joe

[PHC1]

C5xeMP/KX-R/MX-R/Transparent/Wilson Sasha... Mmmmmm. One of my all time favorite, synergistic combos. Organic, natural, musical presentation that pulls you into music very deep.

[turntable]

Originally Posted by PHC1

The KX-R Variable Gain Transconductance (VGT) volume control was covered well in stereophile. Stereophile: Ayre KX-R line preamplifier

The volume control is actually very cool. When you push the remote, the numbers scroll up and down instead of just changing. Sort of like the gas pumps of olden days. There is an audible thump as well which is cool as the numbers change. That is that wheel you see in the previous pics in action.

The display itself is a costly non-multiplexed type which means it is always on and dots don't change which means no noise.

I had a listen in Singapore yesterday to an all Ayre system. Ayre CD, KRX, MX-R's, MIT Oracle cables and Avalon Time speakers.

The first thing I noticed ( as the sales guy was playing the normal quiet shit female jazz vocals) was the whole number scroll, instead of just the last digit. The whirring sound of the volume changing - it sounded like spinning a chocolate wheel when I changed volume fast. Quite loud as well.

Makes my cj ART3 volume clicks of the physical switches sound quiet :-)

cheers

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by turntable

I had a listen in Singapore yesterday to an all Ayre system. Ayre CD, KRX, MX-R's, MIT Oracle cables and Avalon Time speakers.

The first thing I noticed ( as the sales guy was playing the normal quiet shit female jazz vocals) was the whole number scroll, instead of just the last digit. The whirring sound of the volume changing - it sounded like spinning a chocolate wheel when I changed volume fast. Quite loud as well.

Makes my cj ART3 volume clicks of the physical switches sound quiet :-)

cheers

Ahh Singapore, one of my favorite cities. Great hi-end scene.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by turntable

I had a listen in Singapore yesterday to an all Ayre system. Ayre CD, KRX, MX-R's, MIT Oracle cables and Avalon Time speakers.

The first thing I noticed ( as the sales guy was playing the normal quiet shit female jazz vocals) was the whole number scroll, instead of just the last digit. The whirring sound of the volume changing - it sounded like spinning a chocolate wheel when I changed volume fast. Quite loud as well.

Makes my cj ART3 volume clicks of the physical switches sound quiet :-)

cheers

It's the unique design of the volume control, very cool stuff. I loved that thumping sound when changing volume.